A quiet walk in the woods turned unforgettable for Surendra Singh Jalal. The bird lover was in Ranikhet when he saw something rare. A flash of colour caught his eye among the trees.
It was the Siamese Fireback, Thailand’s national bird. This was the first sighting in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Jalal, stunned by the moment, captured a photo near Binsar Mahadev Temple. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said. “It was a thrilling and unforgettable experience.”
New Visitor from Distant Forests
The Siamese Fireback is known for its vivid look. Its metallic feathers shimmer in the sunlight. With a grey body and bright red beak, it moves gracefully. The bird is usually found in the forests of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Experts are surprised to see it here in Ranikhet. Rajesh Bhatt from Corbett National Park called it “ecologically very important.” He explained the bird prefers tropical and moist areas. “Its presence shows the forests here are still rich,” Bhatt added.
Ecological Value and Conservation Needs
The bird’s presence highlights Ranikhet’s strong biodiversity. Though listed as ‘Least Concern’, the species is not without threats. Experts warn against deforestation and climate changes. Such pressure could damage its forest home.
The Siamese Fireback breeds between March and June. Males perform bright feather displays to attract females. The nests are usually built low, with 4 to 6 eggs. These birds stay close to the ground and are usually shy.
A Boost for Avian Tourism
Jalal believes this rare sighting could boost birdwatching. “This opens new doors for bird tourism,” he said. Uttarakhand has long been a home for hidden species. Nature lovers hope more sightings will follow. Conservationists now stress the need to protect the area.
The forests of Uttarakhand may have more surprises in store. This discovery is a reminder of how much there still is to see.
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